SOURCE: PIA 10
In the heart of Northern Mindanao, a digital revolution is brewing, courtesy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez's office from Cagayan de Oro City's Second District. Their mission? To enhance free Wi-Fi connectivity and establish the Level 2 Digital Transformation Center (DTC), bolstering the city’s second district's digital prowess.
As the Marcos administration zeroes in on ICT, the transformative power of technology becomes a national focus. Pioneering this digital movement is the "Broadband ng Masa Program," a DICT initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of free and reliable broadband services.
By the end of 2023, DICT successfully activated 99 free Wi-Fi sites across 59 locations in Cagayan de Oro City. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy stated, "We shall expand our free Wi-Fi internet to 30 more public places in the city’s 2nd District within the year, opening up a world of opportunities to their residents and businesses alike."
The second district of Cagayan de Oro City is now a digital hotspot, with 53 of the 59 Wi-Fi sites located in this area. These sites are particularly concentrated in public elementary and high schools, creating a digital springboard for the city's future generations.
The collaboration between DICT and Rep. Rodriguez's office has resulted in a significant increase in free Wi-Fi access points in the second district. The number of access points soared from eight at the start of 2023 to 63 by year-end, covering 33 locations.
In 2024, the program will further extend its reach, adding 30 new locations in the second district, comprising 12 barangay halls and 18 public schools. Rodriguez commits to ensuring that all 56 barangays in Cagayan de Oro will benefit from free Wi-Fi.
As part of this digital upliftment, the first Level II DTC in Cagayan de Oro City will be established within the second district. The DTC, a national inclusion initiative by DICT, will serve as a self-sustaining center capable of providing ICT-enabling services and opportunities for ICT skills development.
The DTC will offer basic online training via live stream or through Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs. "The DTC shall serve as an edifice for empowerment, providing residents access to computers and other ICT tools as well as equipping learners with skills to participate more fully in a globally competitive economy,” Uy said.
The establishment of reliable internet connectivity and the upskilling of the city's workforce is expected to complement DICT's ICT industry development measures, such as Digital Cities 2025 and the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program.
Secretary Uy emphasizes the importance of continuous collaboration between the public and local government units in building a progressive, dynamic, and digitally connected future. With these concerted efforts, Cagayan de Oro is well on its way to becoming Northern Mindanao’s premiere ICT investment hub.
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